9/11 Commemorated at Border Crossing

The Champlain Port of Entry commemorated the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks with a ceremony at the border between the U.S. and Canada this morning.

This is the 12th year officials, law enforcement, first responders, U.S. and Canadian border officials, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, state and federal agencies have gathered at the northern New York border crossing in solemn remembrance of the events of September 11, 2001. Rabbi Saul Emanuel.

New York Assemblywoman Janet Duprey.

Ceremony host National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 138 President Thomas O’Keefe read the Gettysburg Address before a wreath was laid at the base of the American flag.

Credit WAMC/Pat Bradley

Plattsburgh Air Branch of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol flew over the assembly at 8:46, the same moment the first plane struck the Twin Towers in 2001.

Port Director Paul Mongillo says a generation of Americans’ normal way of life includes enhanced security, yet they may not understand the events of 9/11. Mongillo says young people must be reminded of the dark day’s significance.

About 23 first line officers were at Champlain on 9/11.

Credit WAMC/Pat Bradley

Credit WAMC/Pat Bradley

In a tradition that began with an impromptu and spontaneous gesture in its first year, all those gathered laid a red carnation next to the wreath.